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Executor of your will

You can choose us as executor of your will or we can provide support to other executors in carrying out their responsibilities. 

What is an executor?

An executor is legally responsible for managing your estate after you die. They should be reliable and able to handle complex tasks like probate, debt settlement, communication with beneficiaries and risk mitigation. An executor can be a family member, friend, lawyer, or a professional trustee company like State Trustees. 

 

Appointing State Trustees instead of a family member means we can: 

  • Relieve the burden from loved ones 
  • Manage disputes and reduce the risk of legal conflict 
  • Use our in-house team of experts

What we do as your executor

When you appoint us as the executor in your will, we take on legal responsibility for your estate including:

  • Communicating with family and beneficiaries   
  • Arranging your funeral and burial  
  • Applying for the death certificate  
  • Applying for probate
  • Handling bills and debts
  • Preparing tax returns 
  • Handling superannuation and life insurance
  • Property maintenance
  • Resolving estate disputes
  • Distributing gifts and assets

Prepare your will

Nominate an executor in your will today

Why choose State Trustees

As Victoria’s leading provider of deceased estate administration, we take the pressure off your loved ones at a difficult time. Our experience can also help you to get the best possible outcomes.

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Stability and reliability

Hundreds of thousands of Victorians have relied on us for more than 80 years.

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Expertise and experience

You can be confident you’re being guided by a team of experts who administer thousands of estates each year.

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Convenience

We provide in-house support with a range of specialist services like taxation, trusts, genealogy, property, legal services and more.

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Safe and secure

We identify and reduce potential legal and financial risks to safeguard your estate.

Peace of mind

You’ll have complete confidence your affairs are in good order and we’ll relieve the stress and burden from your loved ones.

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Government backed

We’re backed by the Victorian Government and accountable to the people of Victoria.

Fee summary

Whether you create your will on your own, with a lawyer, or with State Trustees, there’s no fee to appoint us as your Executor. Fees only apply if our experts help you prepare your will. The fees for administering your estate are paid from your estate when you pass away. 

Free resources

Guide

The role of an executor of a will

Read more
Guide

Your executor checklist

Download
Guide

Top considerations for executors

Read more

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of an executor?

An executor is responsible for making sure the person’s final wishes are carried out. This can include (but not limited to) notifying beneficiaries, managing debts, arranging for pets to be looked after or mail redirected, insuring estate assets, attending to any business interests, managing legal risks, lodging tax and selling assets. For a full list, see our checklist.

Can I choose State Trustees as executor?

Yes, you can. We can take the burden from family or loved ones or step in when you have no one to appoint to do what can be a complex and time-consuming task. We are an independent, highly experienced and impartial executor. We administer more deceased estates than any other organisation in Victoria.

Can State Trustees assist me with my executor role?

Yes. We provide Executor Assist to support you in your role as executor. If you wish to retain your role as executor, State Trustees can help with executor-related tasks. Fees in relation to our services are charged to the Executor but can be reimbursed from the estate. Our experts can help whether you’re at the start of the process, or probate has been granted.

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State Trustees Limited operates on the lands of Traditional Custodians. We acknowledge their history, culture and Elders past, present and emerging. State Trustees is committed to cultivating inclusive environments for staff and clients. We celebrate and value people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities.

Original artwork ‘Four Sisters Coming Together’ by Melissa Bell 2023